Cost of open versus laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy for cancer

The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the costs of open right hemicolectomy (ORHC) versus laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy (LARHC) performed for cancer. A retrospective cost analysis of 61 consecutive patients operated on between January 1992 and August 1994 for right-sided colonic cancer by either LARHC (n = 28) or ORHC (n = 33) was performed. The analysis focused on the cost (in Australian dollars) incurred from the date of operation to the date of discharge. LARHC was significantly more expensive than ORHC (total cost LARHC $9064, ORHC $7881; p < 0.001). LARHC was associated with a significantly longer operating room utilization time (LARHC 261 minutes, ORHC 203 minutes; p < 0.001) and a greater cost of disposables (LARHC $854, ORHC $189; p < 0.001). This study demonstrates no cost benefit for LARHC compared to ORHC when performed for cancer.